The Influence of Reality Television on Society

The Influence of Reality Television on Society, Culture, & GrowthOver the past 50 years, reality television has become more than a phenomenon; it is now one of America’s primary sources of entertainment. Due to its popularity and inexpensive production value, studios have a deep desire to maintain and create new reality shows. The fact that shows are coming back and becoming reliable staples year round, David F. Poltrack said, “increases what was already an economic advantage.” In 2001, reality shows of all kinds accounted for 20 percent of TV’s prime-time schedule and today they account for about 40 percent. They were also a key factor in Americans’ migration from network television to cable, where 90 percent of reality TV is seen. Not only has society because obsessed with the diverse themes of these shows, but completely invested in these “real” people. “The absolute volume of reality entertainment has fueled a demand for untrained talent that simply didn’t exist 10 years ago,” said Aaron Barnhart of the Kansas City Star. “That’s your neighbor on an episode of MTV’s True Life; that’s a local bar-band singer winning American Idol; that’s your landlord getting fired by Donald Trump on The Apprentice.” The obsession of reality television has severely influenced our society, culture, and individual growth as human beings because it is portraying reality in false and mindless light. When people want to relax or have some personal time to spare, they looking to television to fulfill their need of entertainment. This time of relaxation occurs more frequently in the summer time: the prime season of all reality television. Reality shows continue to dominate ratings every summer, especially among viewers whom the majority of networks consider most valuable, those 18 to 49. On broadcast television, 15 of the top 20 highest-rated programs among that younger adult group were reality or unscripted shows. Believe it or not, the highest rated reality show of the summer...